SadakoThe girl wHo Changed the world

Sadako Sasaki January 7, 1943 – October 25, 1955) was a Japanese girl who was two years old when an American atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, near her home next to the Misasa Bridge. Sadako became one of the most widely known hibakusha — a Japanese term meaning "bomb-affected person". She is remembered through the story of the one thousand origami cranes she folded before her death, and is to this day a symbol of the innocent victims of nuclear warfare.

Though an atomic bombing survivor, Sadako was a healthy, energetic child who never missed a day of elementary school due to illness. She was a gentle caretaker of her younger sister and brother. She loved singing and sports-in fact, Sadako could outrun anyone in her class.

Ten years after the atomic bombing, life returned to normal for Hiroshima City and its people. However, something was wrong with Sadako's body!!

Sadako's death came as a tremendous shock to the members of the Bamboo class. Many of them, like Sadako, had experienced the atomic bombing. They were filled with fear, regret, and a sense of helplessness.

It's almost been 60 years since Sadako's short life ended at the age of 12. The Sadako story has touched many hearts, and letters and paper cranes continue to be sent to the Children's Peace Monument from around the world.